If you were in church on July 21st, or watched online, you heard how the Lord has been teaching me and exhorting me to share about what “compassion” really is. For disciples of Jesus, compassion isn’t just an emotion. The Greek definition of the word means we are moved in our stomachs (churning, making us sick) by something we see and moved to take action. It isn’t compassion if we don’t have a personal, visceral reaction and are compelled to be part of the solution.
As a culture, we have become numb, immune, inured to the ills of the world. We see them. We’re sad for them. We are resigned to them. We are grateful that/when they don’t happen to us. We are safely untouched by their effects. It’s not deliberate, but it’s a problem, a place that needs to be healed in our discipleship. I asked the congregation what issue, place of concern in the world moves them to the biblical definition of compassion. I asked what issue/concern they would want us, as a faith community, to actively become part of the solution. All of the responses fall into these categories:
Elder Care, particularly those in our community without family nearby
Food Security/Equity
Human/Sex Trafficking
Vulnerable Children
Making sure everyone knows they are loved by God and have a place to belong.
If the issue that moves you to compassion is not listed or falls into these categories, PLEASE email me.
So what do we do now? First, we pray. Pray for God to align our hearts to His and to each others in biblical compassion. Pray for God to bring people who will lead ministry in these areas. Pray that God will give us clear vision and creativity in discerning how we go forward and what BIG DREAMS God has for our church and our community in these specific areas. Pray for God to make resources abundantly available. Pray for people, businesses, and organizations outside the church who will partner with us to this good work. Pray for God to show you YOUR specific role in doing this good work.
We will not rush into doing anything for the sake of doing something. Please email me, call me for coffee, to discuss what you have heard from the Lord in your prayers. If you have specific skills, make them available to the church. Are you a skilled, experienced grant writer? Are you someone who is networked in the community and know who to ask important questions? Are you willing to be trained and do home visits? How will you be moved to action with and as the church?
Moved by Compassion
Pastor Michelle
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